Resumen

HERNANDEZ-PARRA, Hector et al. Influence of the degree of deacetylation of chitosan in the synthesis of nanoparticles for pharmaceutical applications. Mundo nano [online]. 2025, vol.18, n.35, e69860.  Epub 01-Ago-2025. ISSN 2448-5691.  https://doi.org/10.22201/ceiich.24485691e.2025.35.69860.

Chitosan is a versatile biopolymer with applications in nanotechnology, of broad interest in the synthesis of nanoparticles for drug delivery. Its degree of deacetylation (DD) is a key parameter that influences nanoparticle properties such as surface charge, size, and colloidal stability. However, its impact on nanoparticle functionality still requires detailed analysis. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between chitosan’s DD and its physicochemical properties in nanoparticle synthesis, as well as its implications for pharmaceutical applications. To this end, a literature review was conducted in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases, using the keywords chitosan, deacetylation, and nanoparticles, in both English and Spanish. These keywords are identified in the titles and abstracts of research articles. Studies published between 2000 and 2025 that addressed the synthesis, modification, or characterization of chitosan nanoparticles were included. Studies that did not explicitly report DD and its relationship to functional properties or biomedical applications, as well as duplicate publications, were excluded. The results show that a medium DD (70-85%) promotes adequate interaction with cell membranes, common in pharmaceutical applications. A low DD (< 70%) implies less interaction with biological membranes, making them of limited use in delivery systems. Although a high DD (86-95%) could promote greater adhesion to cell surfaces and greater encapsulation efficiency, it can also promote high reactivity and possible cytotoxicity due to its density of free amino groups. However, a very high DD (> 95%) could cause toxicity, in addition to reducing viscosity, affecting the stability of the formulations. These findings underscore the need to tailor the DD to the specific application, optimizing the functionality of chitosan nanoparticles. In conclusion, precise control of DD is essential to maximize chitosan’s potential for the preparation of nanoparticles for drug delivery. Furthermore, future studies should focus on standardizing chitosan production methods with specific deacetylation levels and on their application in novel nanotechnological therapies.

Palabras llave : degree of deacetylation; biological interaction; drug release; nanoparticles; chitosan.

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